Thistles Community Making a Difference
The Thistles shopping centre in Stirling has been making significant strides in supporting the local community through its ongoing charity campaign, #ThistlesHelps. Launched in 2021 to aid in the area’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19, the initiative has been instrumental in helping businesses around Forth Valley thrive. This year, the centre has continued its efforts by dedicating time and resources to support various community projects, including the Braehead community garden.
Gary Turnbull, the centre director at Thistles, expressed his delight in contributing to the work being done at the Braehead community garden. He emphasized the importance of the #ThistlesHelps campaigns, stating that they have been well-received by both the team at Thistles and the local community. Looking ahead to the future, Turnbull expressed excitement for the upcoming projects planned for the following year.
Improving the Braehead Community Garden
One of the key projects undertaken by the Thistles team this year was assisting the Braehead community garden in enhancing its facilities. The team worked alongside the community garden team to carry out essential work to give the allotment a more vibrant and accessible look. Among the tasks completed was the construction of new footpaths to improve accessibility to the compost area and the bee house.
Daisy Muir, the community garden manager at Braehead, expressed her gratitude for the support received from the Thistles volunteers. She highlighted the impact of their contribution, particularly in sourcing a digger to assist with the construction of the footpaths. Muir emphasized the significance of the garden as a place of respite for many locals and how the improvements made by the Thistles team have been greatly appreciated by all who visit.
Fundraising Endeavors and Community Engagement
In addition to their work at the Braehead community garden, the Thistles shopping centre has been actively engaged in various fundraising initiatives over the past year. One such initiative was the setup of an immersive ‘around the world’ mini-golf course within the centre, with donation stations strategically placed to raise money for Scottish Sports Futures. This creative approach to fundraising not only generated funds for a worthy cause but also provided an enjoyable experience for visitors to the centre.
Furthermore, the Thistles team partnered with children’s author Alan Windram to host a storytelling competition for primary school children. The competition saw an inspiring response from the young participants, with Emma Russell from St Mary’s Episcopal Primary School emerging as the winner. Russell’s story will be published this year, with all proceeds going towards the school’s fundraising efforts, showcasing the collaborative efforts between the Thistles centre and the local community.
Achieving Impact Through Collective Efforts
Overall, the Thistles shopping centre has raised an impressive £7,300 for various charities throughout the year, underscoring the collective impact of their fundraising endeavors. The commitment of the Thistles team to supporting local causes and engaging with the community has been instrumental in making a positive difference in the lives of many individuals. If you have a local cause that you believe could benefit from the support of the Thistles shopping centre, you are encouraged to reach out to them via email at informationdesk@stirling-thistles.co.uk with your idea.
In conclusion, the Thistles shopping centre’s commitment to community engagement and supporting local initiatives has been commendable. Through their ongoing charity campaign, #ThistlesHelps, they have demonstrated a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those around them. As they continue to collaborate with various community projects and fundraising efforts, the Thistles team remains dedicated to fostering a sense of unity and support within the Stirling community.